Employment Information

The Marion County Sheriff's Office uses
National Testing Network (NTN) to administer their written exam and physical abilities test (ORPAT) as the first step of the application process for deputy sheriff positions. For Law Enforcement go to
NTN Enforcement . For Jail or Parole and Probation (Corrections) go to
NTN Corrections . Interested applicants must also submit an application to Marion County through
NeoGov for open recruitments once NTN testing is complete.

NOTE: For those who are applying for a position with our Office, check out our free ORPAT
Testing Dates.

Preference and Qualification

Preference: All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. However, in order to best meet the needs of the diversified population of Marion County, the Sheriff has determined that bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is a highly desirable skill in filling vacancies for Deputy Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Trainee. Therefore, preference will be given to qualified applicants possessing this skill. Applicants claiming this skill will be tested for bilingual ability as part of the selection process.

Veteran Preference: In accordance with ORS 408.230 and ORS 408.235, eligible veterans will have five points added to their final passing score and eligible disabled veterans will have ten points added to their final passing score. Applicants must submit proof of veteran status (DD214/DD215) at the time the application is filed. To qualify for disabled veteran preference, applicants must submit proof of veteran status and a copy of their veterans' disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Qualification: Information provided on the application will be reviewed to determine for which classification the applicant qualifies (Deputy Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff Trainee). Results of this review will be mailed to the applicant. Applicants who do not qualify are encouraged to reapply when they meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, as listed on the job announcement.

Qualifying applicants who wish to be considered for these classifications must notify Marion County Human Resources of any changes to their name, address and/or phone number throughout the recruitment process. No further attempts will be made to contact applicants with disconnected phone numbers or returned mail.

Physical Abilities Test

Each applicant must successfully complete the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) which is required for successful completion of academy training and certification provided by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. More information about ORPAT can be found by visiting the
DPSST website.

Interview Lists

Only applicants who achieve a passing score will be eligible for placement on an interview list.Interviews: Applicants who have met the application pre-screening requirements may be offered a formal interview which may include scenario based questions, an assessment center, or a combination of these processes (oral, scenario, assessment center).

Selection Process

Once an applicant has completed the entire hiring process, the decision of who to hire will be made in collaboration with the Sheriff and a conditional offer of employment will be made to the candidate(s) best suited for the position. Once this occurs, a background check will be completed. This includes but is not limited to, a financial history check, workplace history check, criminal history, and a personal history check. Medical and Psychological examinations will also be required.

Disqualification

Based on these examinations, applicants may be disqualified at any time during the selection process. Applicants who are disqualified by the Sheriff's Office will be notified.

Appointments

When appointed to the position of Deputy Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff Trainee, the new employee is sworn into office and begin orientation. The trainee then begins the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP). Trainees will be scheduled to attend the State of Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) basic academy. The certified employee begins an accelerated FTEP, based upon previous training and experience.

About Marion County

Marion County, home to approximately 300,000 Oregonians, is in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The population base has increased at a steady rate over the past two decades, a factor which is attributed to continued growth in state government and a consistent increase in local industry.

There are twenty incorporated cities within Marion County, including the state's third largest city, and Oregon's capitol, Salem. Marion County is the fifth largest county in Oregon, covering 1,194 square miles.

Outdoor recreation opportunities are plentiful. Our central location makes a trip to the coast or the Cascade mountains only an hour away. Marion County's twenty-four parks provide 545 acres for picnicking, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing and other activities. Many county parks provide access to the Santiam and Willamette rivers.

Marion County has award-winning public school systems; an excellent community college, Chemeketa Community College; and a nationally recognized private college, Willamette University. Tokyo International University of Japan, located in Salem, is a tribute to the community's emphasis on cultural diversity. Agriculture, with more than $303 million in farm products sold annually before processing, is the county's largest industry. Local farms produce more than 140 crops and an array of fruits and vegetables, making Marion County the largest producer of agricultural products in the state.

Manufacturing brings in another $150 million in payroll while tourism, forestry, and other industries also play key roles in the community economy.

Salem's annual rainfall is 40.35 inches and the temperature in the valley is moderate year-round.

The Sheriff's Office is committed to the delivery of quality services. Each member of the team is encouraged to participate in delivering progressive and cost effective law enforcement services to the public.

Responding to an increasingly diverse population, the Marion County Sheriff's Office holds a strong commitment to community policing practices. Deputies seek to build a dynamic partnership with the public in order to enhance the security and quality of life for all they serve.

Each member of the Sheriff's Office staff is held accountable to consistently seek and find ways to affirmatively promote, preserve and deliver a feeling of security, safety and quality services to members of the community.

Deputies assigned to the
Institutions Division work at the Marion County Correctional Facility or the Work Release Center. Their duties include the receiving and processing of prisoners in Marion County, supervision of living units, escorting of prisoners, and preservation of the peace.

Parole and Probation deputies supervise offenders who have been placed on probation or post-prison supervision. These duties include coordinating activities with police and other agencies, providing alternative programs, and carrying out community notification programs for high risk offenders.

Deputies who are assigned to the
Operations Division work in the Crime Prevention Unit, Civil Process Unit, Judicial Security Unit, or as a School Resource Officer.

Diversity

The Marion County Sheriff's Office maintains a commitment to recruit the most qualified applicants when filling staff positions. Marion County is an ethnically and culturally diverse area, and the Sheriff's Office takes every opportunity to be reflective of this diversity in the makeup of its personnel.

Employee Benefits

Salary Policies: The salary range for the job is stated on the position announcement. Candidates are normally hired at the first step in the salary range.

Vacation Accrual: Initially, vacation hours accrue at eight (8) hours per month. Vacation may be used after six (6) full calendar months of regular employment. Vacation credit increases after each five years of regular employment.

Retirement: The County is a member of the Public Employment Retirement System (PERS). After satisfying the waiting period, employees become members of the PERS system, and employee and employer contributions begin.

Insurance Benefits: Full-time employees are provided outstanding medical, vision and dental insurance. The County also provides medical and dental benefits for eligible dependents.